The Lagos State Government has offered police officers three months of free transportation on the state’s integrated public transportation system.
The initiative, launched on Wednesday, is aimed at recognising the sacrifices and contributions of police officers to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, ASP Aminat Mayegun, disclosed this in a statement.
Mayegun said 2,000 Cowry Cards were formally handed over to AIG Simeon Akpanudom, FCID Annex, Lagos, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu.
According to her, the cards would give police personnel unlimited complimentary access for three months to major components of Lagos’ integrated transport system, including the Blue Line and Red Line rail services, electric water boats and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
She said the initiative was conceived through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Logistics and formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Lagos Blue Line Rail.
Mayegun added that the state government had proposed a 50 per cent fare discount for police officers after the three-month complimentary period.
She said the gesture was introduced in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of police officers to peace and security in Lagos.
Akpanudom, who represented the Inspector-General of Police at the launch, conveyed Disu’s appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the initiative.
He commended the governor for his continued support for the welfare of police officers serving across Lagos, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the state government’s recognition of their sacrifices in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
He also praised the Lagos State Government for its sustained support for police welfare through interventions facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
According to him, affordable and reliable transportation would reduce the daily transportation burden on police officers travelling across the state and serve as a morale booster for personnel carrying out their security responsibilities.
Akpanudom further acknowledged other initiatives undertaken by the state government to support the Nigeria Police Force and improve officers’ welfare.
He also appreciated Air Peace for its continued support for the police through rebates on local and international routes, as well as special boarding preferences for police personnel.
The AIG urged other state governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Lagos by investing in the welfare of security personnel.
He said supporting police officers was essential to strengthening their capacity to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“A well-supported police workforce would be better positioned to discharge its responsibilities effectively,” he said.
Akpanudom said the transportation initiative would further strengthen the partnership between the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force in the collective pursuit of public safety, security and good governance.
The initiative is expected to provide immediate transportation relief for police officers while reinforcing the state’s broader support for security agencies.